Ganga Zumba is the group formed by Kazufumi Miyazawa (also of the Boom and a solo musician) who is particularly influenced by Brazlian music. They include among their ranks the brilliant Brazilian percussionist and the greatest pandeiro player Marocs Suzano and Fernando Moura on keyboards. This is a DVD of their live set from September 2007 at Tokyo Shibuya AX. 17 tracks including Rainbow Warriors, Habatake!, Why?, Chimuguri Utasha, Samba Caos, Subarashii Hibi, Rakuen, Toquio, Mambolero, Rakuen, Brasileiro em Toquio and Baila Con Ganga Zumba.
Performance from the last day of his tour 'Yorimichi 2007 Natsu Sagashi'. Rakuen, Hikari, Kachidoki-bashi (poetry reading), Shi o Kakitai (poetry reading) Joso (poetry reading) Karitachi Nomichi, Taiyo Akara Nami Kirara, Hitori Shiritori (poetry reading), Pensando em Voce, Okinawa ni Furu Yuki, Sou Naritai (poetry reading), Katakuri no Hana (poetry reading), Haru no Shirase (poetry reading), Shiroi Hamanasu, Boku ni Dekiru Subete, Koko ni Kurutame (poetry reading). 16 tracks including poetry reading and encore. 90 minutes. Price: £28.99
Miyazawa has been performing live in Japan at events called Yorimichi where he sang his own songs (some of them old Boom favourites) a few covers and did some poetry readings. This CD was previously only sold from his own website and and at the live venues, but now gets an official release.10 tracks plus some poetry readings + DVD with live footage. Tracks include Chu-o Sen, Hoshi no Love Letter, Toi Machi de, Shiroi Hamanasu, Okinawa ni Furu Yuki, Subarashii Hibi, Kono Hiroi Sekaide, Hikari, Shimauta, Rakuen and Mijika na Shi.
First full album from Ganga Zumba the new group from the Boom's Kazufumi Miyazawa. Includes the brilliant Brazilian pandeiro player Marcos Suzano, keyboardist Fernando Moura, Cuban trumpeter Luis Valle plus six superb Japanese musicians. The music is a mixture of Brazilian and Latin with pop, good songs and singing from the talented Miyazawa. 15 tracks. Price: £18.99
Ganga Zumba is the new group of Kazufumi Miyazawa one of Japan's leading musicians. Ganga Zumba comprises several members who formed part of Miyazawa's incredible solo projects. These include from Brazilian pandeiro percussionist Marcos Suzano, keyboardist Fernando Moura, from Cuba Luis Valle on trumpet and from Japan, Hiroshi Takano on guitar, drummer (also with Orquesta de la Luz) Genta and Reiko Tsuchiya on violin and Chiinese erhu. Habatake! is a mini-album of 7 tracks. More pop than Brazilian, good songs, great performance.
Kazufumi Miyazawa has been called the Japanese David Byrne, Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel rolled into one. On this best of album, Miyazawa combines Brazilian music with Japanese and Oriental influences, a version of the million selling Okinawan song 'Shima Uta', plus western and dance oriented sounds. All with the help of a stellar cast of collaborators from around the world, including producers, Arto Lindsay and Hugh Padgham, musicians, Carlinhos Brown, Marcos Suzano, Max de Castro, Lenine, Takashi Hirayasu, Manu Katche and Dominic Miller with dancefloor remixes by Truby Trio and Monaural. Click Read About for the full story and check out his official English web site http://www.five-d.co.jp/miyazawa/en Price: £13.99
An album of self covers from Miyazawa, of songs he has written over the years for other artists, such as Sandii, Sayoko and Okinawans Yoriko Ganeko and Shokichi Kina. Mostly recorded in Japan with Japanese musicians, very different from his recent multi-national solo efforts. Probably recorded more for the Japanese market, with the quality of the songwriting top notch. Some Brazilian and tango influences add the world elements to otherwise fairly straight forward pop music.
The superb Miyazawa band recorded live at Tokyo Zepp, plus two video clips. Price: £28.99
Excellent compilation of tracks taken from Miyazawa's three solo albums, plus Spanish version of Shima Uta, (Cancion de la Isla).
3rd solo album from Boom leader, combines strong songwriting with innovative arrangements, imaginative instrumentation, and inventive production by Arto Lindsay. The various recording locations, (Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aries, Tokyo, Okinawa) reflect the diversity of sounds on the album. Brazilian music provides probably the strongest thread throughout, with elements of samba, bossa nova and other Brazilian music. Intertwined between these,are glorious Okinawan influences heard on songs such as "Snow in Okinawa" and "Chimuguri Utasha". In addition to the original versions these two tracks have been given a dancefloor remix by Chris Franck (of De Lata) Ryukyu Underground (UK/American duo) and Monaural. Elsewhere, "Perfect Love", "Deeper than Oceans" "Mandala" and "It's Me" feature that laid back yet funky Brazilian groove. Each varies in style and accompaniment, some with a decidedly more contemporary feel than others with "Eu Vou Junto" probably the purest Brazilian track of all. "Tokyo Story" has a jazzy hip hop feel, while "A Tango for Evita and Che Guevara" is a remarkable poetry reading. Price: £18.99
Recorded in London produced by Hugh Padgham. As always with Miyazawa, strong songs, slick production. Also features on guitar Dominic Miller, drums Manu Katche and on keyboards Paul 'Wix' Wickens. Two songs sung in English. High quality album by world class artist.
One of Japan's most talented musicians.
Second solo album from Boom singer. Recorded in Brazil with all star Brazilian cast. New style Brazilian music, driving rhythm, great songs. Recommended. Price: £18.99
Double live album by five of Japan's leading singer/songwriters, performing their most famous tunes, some solo, others together. A hit album in Japan.
